Letter: City’s Bike Bias

William Pickett's letter ("Pedaling the Wrong Way," May 15) is spot-on with my sentiments. The reality is that he wants what most of Europe and some of America have come to realize: Bicycles are a good and environmentally sound alternative. But it runs against our car-based economy and against our city government's agenda. For them it's not economically sound.

Then there's the issue of our police enforcing new laws. I don't know where Mr. Pickett resides, but if he's in Richmond city proper then he should realize that 1) Our city government is inept and ineffectual, 2) Our city educational system barely registers on the scale, 3) Our Police Department doesn't enforce our existing laws. Remember running red lights, speeding, parking in fire zones, etc.? And 4) Our city streets are Third World.

It's more important that we concentrate on important issues like getting the Redskins in town -- even though they have no real link to us. I could go on but it's a waste of time.

If our city really wants help to close its budget woes, do what Hanover did eons ago. Give power to the police to issue parking violations in public parking areas (like mall and supermarket "no parking fire zones" right in front of store entrances. It's in the public interest). But the laws probably wouldn't be enforced anyway.

By the way, I used to ride but my bicycle (a nice one) was stolen from my third-floor balcony. Don't hold your breath, Mr. Pickett. My thoughts are with you.

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